MEETING SUMMARY

This meeting is supported through generous contributions by:

Although more than 30% of human genes encode for proteins that traverse the secretory pathway, many mysteries remain about how proteins traverse this route. There is outstanding biochemistry being carried out with the goal of defining the precise molecular events that drive the transport of membrane proteins from one compartment to another in eukaryotic cells. We seek to bring together those interested in understanding how molecules drive the secretory and endocytic pathways, with focus on molecular mechanism, to share recent breakthroughs and discuss current controversies. This area of research is describing entirely new biochemical processes, and represents quantitative molecular analysis of three dimensional, cellular events.

With focus on molecules, do we really understand cargo sorting into vesicles, vesicle formation, vesicle motility, docking and fusion? What is the molecular basis for formation of the Golgi and how does it accommodate large cargoes such as collagen? How are regulated secretory products packaged into transport vesicles that are distinct from those carrying cell surface receptors? How are receptors to be down-regulated actually segregated into the lumens of multivesicular endosomes? How does autophagy link various compartments of the secretory and endocytic pathways? How do viruses hijack these processes? By defining these events in precise molecular detail, we hope to identify novel and precise targets for future intervention in a number of pathological states.